What an entertaining run-down on the last run in 2010! I agree with Dylan that Billy and Luis ought to take over on the Sunday blog. Snow from North Carolina, erroneous sightings of Jack, etc. In fact Susan Paul thought Billy was me when she passed the group on lower
State of the
It has been an interesting year and a period of growth for our group. Since last January we have welcomed 15 new runners. We lost 7 people, 4 of whom left the area, so the group grew about 10% and we now have 70 names on our list.
Of those 70 people, we have not seen 10 of them at all this year. If you are one of the 10 and wish to be removed from the distribution, kindly let me know. We would love to see your smiling faces one of these days.
It was but a few years that we had dwindled to about two people—Chris Aycrigg and me. Times have changed for the good and we hope to see the family continue to grow and prosper.
Why We Run
I find it intriguing to see how people of all ages, backgrounds and running levels come together and not only find a good running environment, but also get to mix with such a wide range of backgrounds and interests. I have always felt that the better part of my runs has been that of hearing about other people's lives, aspirations, challenges and successes.
We draw people from around the world who arrive, are warmly welcomed, and get to run one of the more beautiful courses one can find anywhere. Some turn out to be repeat visitors. During 2010 we hosted visitors from
Our group provides a wonderful formula of fitness and friendship enhancing our lives. I have always felt that there is a whole lot more than running going on as we click off the miles. I guess that's what's kept me with the group for the past 23 years. Heck, some of us were not even born in 1987 and others were in early grade school!
Our Outreach Efforts
This was a year of break-through as we orchestrated a blanket collection effort for men who seek shelter for the night at the Coalition for the Homeless. We partnered with other running and fitness groups, stores and companies to collect over 270 blankets for these men and got them delivered before the real cold weather set in. You can be proud of yourselves for this outpouring. This effort had a nice ripple effect, because the Manager of the lululemon store (I love that name!) and her husband joined my church group on December 1 to feed these homeless men a hot meal. See picture attached.
Excerpt from my 2011 Runners Log
If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for 20 years. There is not test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run. ---John "the Penguin" Bingham
HAPPY NEW YEAR AND HAPPY RUNNING TO ALL!
Jack
No comments:
Post a Comment